Cultural & Heritage
Are you fascinated by the culture and history of the USA?
Across all fifty states, you’ll find amazing sites that are embedded with historical significance, some of which were part of what shaped America into what it is today. As well as this, America is filled with museums that tell the story of its past - if you want to journey into history on your next American vacation, check out some of the unique culture and heritage sites that the country has to offer.
Explore the Home of a US President
Monticello and the University of Virginia is one of America’s World Heritage sites, and it is an incredible place to visit. Monticello was the home of Thomas Jefferson, a private plantation designed by the man himself. The neo-classical work of art can be discovered in Charlottesville, Virginia and is surrounded by a gorgeous landscape. Monticello is completely open to the public. If you take a trip there, you’ll discover incredible artwork, engravings, and stunning pieces of period furniture as well as so much more. It is one of the only homes of a US President that you can actually visit.
See a Safe Harbour
If you’re heading to New York, visit the Statue of Liberty. Another World Heritage site, it is certainly one of the most famous landmarks in the world. Given as a gift from France in 1876, the statue has been a symbol of hope for immigrants entering the country and has stood for two hundred years. Completely open to explore, you can walk around the monument and journey inside all the way up to the crown.
Of course, if you are visiting New York City, you should also definitely take a trip to the American Museum of Natural History and the Met (Metropolitan Museum of Art). The American Museum of Natural History has a range of different exciting attractions to explore while the Met has an incredible collection of art from all around the world. You can spend hours exploring both and discover something new around every corner.
Discover a Nation Divided
America’s most prominent and well-known part of history is arguably the Civil War, and if you are fascinated by this period in history, you will certainly want to explore the many battlefields where thousands of soldiers lost their lives. Some of these have been historically preserved, and if you take a trip to Pennsylvania, you can visit the Gettysburg National Military Park. There, famous battle sites like Little Round Top and Devil’s Den still remain practically untouched.
Or, if you journey to North Carolina you can visit Fort Sumter where you’ll be able to see a range of different artillery pieces. There’s a full museum here too which tells the story of how this battle was fought and the fort’s union ultimately surrendered.
Visit the Site Of Independence
In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, you can visit Independence Hall. This was the place where both the Declaration of Independence and the American Constitution were signed. Arguably one of the most important sites in America, Independence Hall includes 18 hectares and 20 buildings. It also used to be Benjamin Franklin’s home, adding to its great significance. Today you can get a full tour of Independence Hall and explore the birthplace of a nation.
Discover Incredible Works of Art
If you’re visiting LA, don’t get distracted by the shops. It also homes one of the most popular collections of art in the world. The J. Paul Getty Museum is filled with pieces of great historical significance, and the building itself is a sight to behold. The unique architecture makes this museum stand out from the rest and inside you can find pieces of art from almost every century.
If you’re fascinated by culture and history, the USA has countless sites that should be on the list for your next visit.